Review 2014

 2014 has in many ways been quite a difficult year for us as a church. We have had people leave and faced  unexpected challenges. But the Lord has been faithful through it all.

One of the great success stories of this last year has been our monthly Teaching and Apologetics sessions. Matthew and I have taught on subjects as diverse as Understanding Atheism, and Reaching Out to JWs. But we have also enjoyed the ministry of some wonderful teachers.

Our old friend Pastor Ian Moulton taught on the errors of the Word of Faith movement...



 

Bobby Gilpin of UK Partnerships for Christ covered Mormonism...

 

 

 And Vincent McCann gave a fascinating talk on Occultism in the media.

 

Attacked

 

My injuries a day or so after the attack.

 This was a difficult year for me, as in February I was assaulted for preaching the Gospel in our local town centre. I have been open air preaching for quite a few years now and whilst threats are common, this was the first time I had been violently attacked. But the Lord's a great healer and I am please to say I am back on the streets again!

 

 In March we stood outside the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall Memorial celebration. We wanted to be a witness of the true gospel of Jesus Christ...

 

 

   ...not everyone was delighted to have us there!

 

Get Right



 

In summer we held a leafleting campaign called "Get Right with God in 2014." I produced a free give-away DVD with a short gospel message on it and we finished off by preaching the gospel in Stockport Town Centre.

 

We continued with our monthly Bring-and-Share meals, enjoying a good time of fellowship with others. 

 

 

Summertime

In July we had a stall at Stockport Carnival giving away free Bibles, tracts, DVDs etc.

 

 

The weather has been great, which has given us an opportunity to really get out on the streets and talk to people about their salvation.

 

 

 

In October we held our Reformation Sunday celebration. It was great fun getting the children involved and teaching them about the sacrifices made by Christians during the Reformation. 

 

 

Our ladies have built good relationships with one another and have provided support, both practical and spiritual.

 

This year saw the start of Sunday Club, our new children's work. The children learn to pray, listen to a Bible story and sing songs of praise. They also play a fun game and have a Bible memory verse to learn each Sunday. 

 

 

 

Christmas

We finished off the year with a combined Carole Service and Nativity drama. It was well attended and the children loved being involved. It is a great way of bringing mums and dads and grandparents into the church to hear the truth. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone that has helped, attended, worked, preached, taught and cooked this year. We couldn't do it without you!

 In some ways I think this year has been a "wintertime" for us as a church. It has been a year of labouring, without much increase and yet it has also been a time in which some have returned to the church, for which we are thankful to God.

We have seen our Open Air Team has grown in number and in zeal. It has also been a year in which we have started our HelpBank; giving food, nappies and such like to families in need. It was a blessing to be able to send out food hampers this Christmas as an expression of basic Christian kindness.

 

May I remind you all of the verse the Lord gave to us as a church:

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9)

Let's hold fast to God's word until we reap!

Paul.

 

Where do you fit in the body?



"And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you." 1 Corinthians 12:21 (KJV)

As a Pastor it is sometimes a little embarrassing plugging one's church service and reminding the congregation that "we would really like it if everyone could show their support for..." that special meeting you have been praying over and burning the midnight oil in preparation for. However, being part of a local congregation and finding your role in that gathering of Believers, is an important part of what it means to be a Christian.

 

The word "church" is the English translation of the Greek word "Ekklesia," meaning "called out ones" or "congregation." It is clear, from this word, that the church is not a building but a body of people - Christ's body.

 

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Romans 12:5 (KJV)

 

Some may say that they are part of Christ's body, but they are fine on their own. They have their Bible, prayer-life and are actively serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel. They don't need their congregation! But what if the congregation need you?

 

Here are 14 reasons by Kenneth Kuykendall why you might not want to miss that next meeting: 

•The body of the congregation is incomplete.
•Your voice is not heard in the worship and singing of the saints.
•You cannot actively serve others who may need your gifts.
•You cannot contribute in the offering.
•You do not receive the Word of God in a preaching format.
•You miss out on corporate prayer.
•You forfeit fellowship with other believers.
•You send a message to the youth that missing church is acceptable.
•You make it easier to miss the next week, and then the next.
•You become susceptible to apathy and indifference.
•You make it harder for others to bear the weight and burdens of ministry.
•You miss opportunities to share your own struggles with the saints of God.
•You cause unnecessary worry for your pastor, teacher, staff, and leaders.
•You miss out on altar invitations, life-changing decisions, and spiritual experiences.

 

 

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)